Former Italian premier Conte defends pandemic response in parliamentary inquiry

Former Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte defended his government's pandemic response during a parliamentary inquiry hearing in Rome, asserting that "da me nessun illecito" occurred under his tenure. Speaking for over three hours, the Five Star Movement leader maintained that emergency decrees were necessary to safeguard public health during the health crisis.

Conte disclosed submitting an anonymous document to Rome prosecutors regarding a 100-million-euro mask contract with JC Electronics, requesting an investigation into potentially counterfeit equipment. The former premier rejected criticism from the ruling coalition, cautioning lawmakers against acting as "plotoni di esecuzione." The parliamentary commission is continuing its examination of emergency decrees, vaccine purchases, and equipment procurement.

Sources: ANSA, Corriere della Sera, Il Messaggero, La Repubblica.